🎪 Bouncy Castle Hire Selston 🎪

A Brief History of Selston,

Early Origins & Medieval Period

• Domesday Record (1086): Selston—referred to as “Salistune”—appeared in the Domesday Book with six households, a church, and three acres of meadow, previously held in 1066 by Gladwin, Wulfmer, and Wulfric; by 1086 it was held by William Peverel T

• Wansley (within the parish): Listed similarly in Domesday as “Wandeslei”, equally sized and valued, with six households, woodland, meadow, and ploughland, held by Ralph son of Hubert

St Helen’s Church & Sacred Landscape

• Ancient Origins: The church site likely had an Anglo-Saxon predecessor, evidenced by a standing stone in the churchyard—possibly a pre-Christian monolith—and the enduring dedication to St Helen.

• Norman Construction: The stone structure dates from the mid-12th century, featuring a Norman font and early carved stone slabs—one depicting a priest, noted as among the earliest of its kind in the country.

• Later Enhancements: The tower and clerestory stem from the 15th century. Restoration, the addition of the north aisle, vestry, and chapel occurred in 1904–05; a modern extension (hall, kitchen, facilities) was added in 2010–11

• St Helen’s remains a Grade II* listed building and holds parish registers dating back to 1557

Industrial Growth & Mining Legacy

• Coal Mining History: Coal has played a role in the area's heritage since at least 1206, with accessible seams near the surface and multiple local pits, including Pye Hill Colliery No. 2, Bull Pit (New Selston Colliery), and the "Bog and Winch" pit providing employment during the 19th and 20th centuries

• Literary Connection: Writer Danny Scott’s recent memoir, The Undisputed King of Selston, explores his generational ties to the local mining landscape—his father worked at Pye Hill Pit, and he draws vivid memories of a coal‑shaped childhood in a “village ruled by coal”

Natural Heritage

• Selston Common: Once part of ancient Sherwood Forest, the common served as a royal hunting ground in medieval times. Remnants like boundary markers and old hunting lodge remains are still visible today

Governance & Architectural Heritage

• Landowners in 1776: Lords of the Manor included notable figures like Lord Melbourne, Sir William Dixie, and the Earl of Mexborough

• Listed Buildings Legacy: The parish includes eight listed structures:

  • Grade II★ (one): St Helen’s Church.

  • Grade II: Remains of Wansley Hall, its barn (converted into homes), two farmhouses (Dog Kennel Farmhouse from 1666 and Manor Farmhouse), St Michael and All Angels Church in Underwood, its lychgate, and the Jacksdale War Memorial

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